Construction is progressing at a rapid pace on the Hoa Binh Hydropower Expansion Project.

With the goal of installing the second turbine unit by October 7th, construction units at the Hoa Binh Hydropower Expansion project have focused all resources to ensure this important milestone is met.

Installation of the working wheel for turbine unit 2 at the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant Expansion Project.

In particular, LILAMA 10 Joint Stock Company - the unit responsible for installing the generator set - also mobilized hundreds of officials and engineers, working three shifts continuously, striving to connect the plant to the power grid by December 19th, in accordance with the Prime Minister 's directive.

On August 19th, Unit 1 of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant Expansion Project was officially connected to the national power grid, contributing another important source of electricity to the country's socio-economic development.

Overcoming many difficulties

The Hoa Binh Hydropower Expansion Project, located on the right bank of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Dam, has a capacity of 480MW (2x240MW), a total investment of VND 9,220 billion, and was started in January 2021. The project is invested by Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN), with the main contractor being Truong Son Construction Corporation, Construction Company 47, and LILAMA 10. Upon completion, it will provide approximately 488 million kWh/year.

The project aims to increase the peak load capacity of the national power grid, maximizing the utilization of the annual excess water discharged during the flood season from the existing Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant for electricity generation. Simultaneously, the project contributes to improving frequency regulation and stability of the national power grid, reducing operating costs and workload of the eight existing generating units, thereby extending equipment lifespan and saving on maintenance and repair costs.

According to Bui Phuong Nam, Director of EVNPMB1 (Electricity Project Management Board 1), to achieve the current progress milestone, the construction units and the investor have overcome many difficulties. First, construction commenced amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with a landslide incident at the foundation pit for the expanded hydropower plant, which forced a nearly one-year halt in construction. Secondly, the need to ensure the safety of the dam and surrounding public works while construction was underway, and the project's small, narrow construction site, located right next to an operating power plant, also posed obstacles affecting the progress.

During the final stages of construction, the site faced difficulties as the rainy season began, disrupting progress due to slippery ground conditions that compromised construction safety. To overcome these challenges, EVNPMB1 discussed with contractors the need to organize continuous three-shift work, utilizing weekends, working through holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year), and even working night shifts to compensate for delays and ensure the quality and safety of the project.

One of the key tasks completed by the contractors was the dismantling of the cofferdam and the construction of the intake channel. This largely depended on the regulation of the water level in the Hoa Binh Hydropower Reservoir. This work commenced on February 15th and was scheduled for completion on June 15th; however, heavy rainfall in May caused significant difficulties during construction. Therefore, the investor and contractors made strenuous efforts to overcome these challenges, organizing efficient construction, increasing shifts, mobilizing sufficient manpower and machinery, and adhering closely to the set schedule.

“In addition, EVN has closely coordinated with relevant parties, including the National Power System Operation and Electricity Market Company Limited, to regulate the water level of Hoa Binh reservoir appropriately at each time, contributing to creating favorable construction conditions and ensuring the ‘dual objectives’ of efficient electricity production operation and the urgent progress of the project,” shared Bui Phuong Nam, Director of EVNPMB1.

Speed ​​up the installation of the generator set.

Currently, the main focus of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Expansion Project is the installation of the turbines. Installing the turbines – the heart of the plant – at this project is considered much more difficult than in previous hydropower projects. According to Bui Binh Nhuong, the site manager of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Expansion Project (LILAMA 10), installing such a large-capacity turbine normally takes about 7-8 months, but due to the urgent requirements, the unit completed the installation in just over 5 months, especially given the limited construction space and the pressure to meet the deadline.

During peak periods, LILAMA 10 mobilized approximately 600 officials, engineers, and workers, divided into three shifts and four teams, to successfully complete the milestone of connecting Unit 1 to the national power grid on August 19th, as directed by the Prime Minister, in celebration of the 80th National Day.

At the turbine installation bay, teams of LILAMA 10 engineers are focusing on installing the magnetic rods onto the rotor of turbine unit 2. This work requires meticulous attention to detail and a very high degree of precision. Engineer Hoang Van Trung of LILAMA 10 stated that the rotor of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant expansion unit weighs 585 tons (approximately 620 tons after assembly) and is assembled from thousands of parts, most of which are installed directly in the turbine bay. Therefore, the most efficient arrangement of personnel, materials, machinery, and equipment is crucial. In addition, the units must clean and adjust the turbine well area to ensure a smooth installation of turbine unit 2. Currently, the construction volume of turbine unit 2 is over 80% complete, ready for the rotor installation scheduled for October 7th.

Sharing with us about this "tense" period, Commander Bui Binh Nhuong said that he hasn't been home for months, even though the construction site is only a few dozen kilometers away. The officers, engineers, and workers of LILAMA 10 at the Hoa Binh expansion project are all ready to put aside personal matters and focus their efforts on bringing the project to completion on schedule. This is both a command and a determination of the machine installers for the sake of the nation's electricity supply. Even when the Corporation held its review meeting in Da Nang last July, the officers of the Hoa Binh expansion project had already been booked for tickets and rooms, but to ensure progress, all the team members happily stayed, continuing their work and staying close to the construction site day and night.

"Fortunately, the unit's hydropower team is very experienced, having worked on many projects before, so the assembly and installation of the turbines went smoothly," Mr. Nhuong added.

According to Bui Phuong Nam, Director of EVNPMB1, the installation and commissioning of the turbines at the Hoa Binh Hydropower Expansion Project are progressing on schedule and efficiently. The successful and safe connection of Unit 1 to the grid and the upcoming successful installation of the rotor for Unit 2 will determine the power generation schedule, contributing to the timely commercial operation of the entire project by December 19th. This once again affirms the capabilities and expertise of the investor and domestic contractors in implementing key industrial infrastructure projects, contributing to ensuring national energy security.

Text and photos: HUNG THUY

Source: https://nhandan.vn/thi-cong-nuoc-rut-du-an-thuy-dien-hoa-binh-mo-rong-post912577.html